Blanche’s Breast Cancer Story: Listen to the Little Things

Each October, pink lights shine from Blanche Williams' porch in Rome as a reminder to prioritize breast health. For her, it's personal: After noticing a change in her breast and seeking care promptly, Blanche was diagnosed with early-stage cancer and is now sharing her story as a survivor.

When Blanche woke up one morning and noticed her right breast was discolored and sore to the touch, she didn't hesitate to see her doctor. "I knew it wasn't right for my breast to look like that," she said. "It wasn't normal for me, so I got on the phone and made an appointment."

Her physician sent her to get a mammogram at AdventHealth Redmond, even though her routine mammogram just months before had been clear.

"Getting the mammogram every year is very important and keeps you on track with your health," Blanche said.

But this time, the screening mammogram detected early-stage breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women.

"It was smaller than an English pea," Blanche said of the cancer in her breast. Her cancer care team recommended surgery to remove it, along with 20 rounds of radiation. "They didn't have to take my whole breast," she said. "They caught it in time."

When to Start Getting Annual Mammograms

Along with the American Cancer Society, our clinicians at AdventHealth recommend women at average risk for breast cancer (such as those with no family history of it) start getting annual mammograms between the ages of 45 and 55, though they may begin as early as 40.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer, including those who've had genetic testing reveal they have a BRCA or other gene mutation, should consult their physicians for guidance about when to get their first mammogram and how frequently they should repeat screening.

As each woman is unique, talk with your physician to find out when you should start getting annual screening mammograms.

Listening to Your Body Can Make All the Difference

"If I have a headache for a week, I know that's not right, and I've got to go and take care of it," Blanche said.The same, she said, goes for breast health. Now 78 years old, Blanche has been getting routine mammograms for as long as they've been available in her community.

"You can't hesitate or procrastinate when it comes to your body," she said. "You've got to go see what's going on with it. Not knowing is not a good thing. Pay attention to little signs and things you're feeling in your body, and go to a doctor who can help you understand what's going on and how to take care of yourself. It's very important to do that."

A Breast Center Team You Can Count On

At AdventHealth, our Breast Center, formerly called the Women's Center, is now located on the first floor of our AdventHealth Cancer Pavilion, right next to AdventHealth Stadium. Our Breast Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and offers diagnostic and screening mammograms, breast ultrasound, MRI and biopsy care, bone density scans, genetic testing and support groups for cancer patients and their families. The pristine facility and care team provide women with a comfortable, serene environment for their breast health needs.

Our breast team also educates women about the importance of doing regular breast self-exams so they can recognize signs that something may need further investigation by a medical professional. By heeding that advice and prioritizing her health, Blanche said she found out about her cancer early enough to have a positive outcome with her treatment.

"I have a family, and I love them, and I want to be with them for as long as God allows me to be here," she said. "I might have been scared, but I prayed, and God got me through that. So pay attention to your body. When it's talking to you, you pay attention and go to the doctor."

Today, Blanche takes a hormone-blocking medication to lower her chance of her cancer returning, and she said she will continue getting mammograms. "I don't complain," she said. "I just know it's what I have to do."

Light Your Porch Pink With Blanche

Following her cancer diagnosis, Blanche started putting pink lightbulbs in her porch lamps each October as part of the AdventHealth Pink Porch campaign to shine a light on the importance of breast cancer screening.

"That's a beautiful thing, really, to put that pink lightbulb out there," she said. By doing so, she said she can share her story of survival and encourage other women to advocate for their own health.

"It's awareness to let people know, 'Yes, I'm proud to say I had it and I'm surviving with it now,'" she said. "I'm a living witness of it. I've been through it. It may be scary, but you come through it."

This October, you can help illuminate breast cancer awareness alongside cancer survivors like Blanche. For more information on lighting your porch pink, where to pick up a pink bulb or to schedule a mammogram, visit us at PinkPorchGA.com.